Legal and Advanced Planning Services

There are numerous advantages of managing advance planning soon after receiving a diagnosis of dementia. As cognitive abilities may decline as dementia progresses, it is vital that legal documentation reflects the desires of the individual to guarantee that their choices are honored later in life. Advance care directives should take into account life insurance, long-term care insurance, and living wills. If the person in question owns firearms, plans should determine gun safety measures which may include lawfully selling or donating firearms. Legal arrangements also involve healthcare and financial considerations. For example, an individual diagnosed with dementia should determine representatives who will act in their best interest later in life, including a legal guardian, power of attorney, and health care proxy. Provided the adult with dementia still maintains legal capacity; they should actively engage in the planning process.

In the state of Massachusetts, there are protections and rights for identified groups of people. Learn about your rights as an elder, caregiver, or assisted living resident.

Dementia Friendly America Resources

Dementia Friendly America Sector Guide- Legal

Dementia Friendly America Legal and Advance Planning Services Resource

Advance Planning Resources

AARP- Long-Term Care Insurance

AARP Policy Institute- Protecting Older Investors- The Challenge of Diminished Capacity

ACT on Alzheimer’s- Dementia Friendly Legal Services

Alzheimer’s Association- Caregivers Financial and Legal Planning

Alzheimer’s Association- End of Life Planning

Alzheimer’s Association- Firearm Safety

Alzheimer’s Association- Legal and Financial Planning for Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s Association- Legal Plans Brochure